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Gets Back to the Basics

October 02, 2018

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I am a little over halfway through Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth. Paul indicates that the believers in Corinth wrote to him with several questions about how to handle several issues in their community.

Paul is very thorough. In the first 9 chapters of 1 Corinthians, Paul covers many topics ranging from authority to marriage to lawsuits to what to do with food meant for idols. Paul paints a picture of some of the issues that the young believers had to face daily in their community. Paul is careful to give “advice” and direction to this community in their own context.

Paul is very patient. Paul takes his time to address the concerns of the people of Corinth. He pays attention to details.

Paul reminds us what is really important. In the midst of each topic of controversy for the people of Corinth, Paul points them back to Jesus! For example, in the conversation about what to do with food offered to idols (Chapter 8), Paul reminds them that there is really only one God. In his advice about lawsuits among believers (Chapter 6), Paul reminds them that the righteous will inherit the kingdom of God. When they were arguing over who they belong to, Apollos or Paul (Chapter 3), Paul replies that we all belong to Christ Jesus and therefore we all belong to God.

Paul’s basic instructions remind me of a 20th century hymn chorus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of his glory and grace.

So in this re-reading of 1 Corinthians, I believe Paul’s word to us is not to get caught up in all of the contextual issues in your community. Don’t focus on what divides your people. Let’s not get caught up in trials and stresses of the day. Instead, let’s turn our eyes to Jesus. Find the one thing you are sure of—a life as a child of God!

Did You Miss Sunday’s Message?

Mission: Clean-Up Buckets

Don’t forget to donate for our Hurricane Relief efforts. Flood clean-up buckets are needed! We have already delivered 9 clean up buckets and 9 hygiene kits to our regional office in Wilson for distribution. The items for the buckets are:

One five-gallon bucket with resealable lid (If bucket has been used, clean well but do not use if it has held chemicals of any kind.)

Four scouring pads

Seven sponges, including one large

One scrub brush

Eighteen reusable cleaning towels (e.g. Easy Wipes)

One 50 oz. or two 25 oz. bottle(s) of liquid laundry detergent

One 16-28 oz. bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap

One 12-16 oz. bottle of household cleaner that can be mixed with water (no spray bottles)

All cleaning items must be new – all liquid items must be capped and securely tightened. Place all items into the bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Snap the lid on tight and seal with packing tape.

All items are due on Sunday, October 7th.

Homecoming 2018

Make plans to attend our Homecoming Services this year, bring a neighbor or a friend, and invite any family or friends to come back and join us for the special service and reuniting with one another and Christ.

Trunk or Treat/Fall Celebration

Sunday, October 28th, 4:00 -6:00 pm

Bring your car, add some Fall decorations, and greet the children in our community for our Trunk or Treat/Fall Celebration; we are collecting bags of candy and prizes for games for this event in the hallway next to the office; we also need folks to sign up to bring their cars and open their trunks with goodies, we also serve Robie’s famous chili…it’s gonna be a fun night for all ages!